U.S. patent application number 16/042128 was filed with the patent office on 2019-02-28 for latch assembly for use with an inversion drum.
The applicant listed for this patent is Earth Tool Company LLC. Invention is credited to Robert F. Crane, Craig Lawrence Noggle, Mark D. Randa, Steven W. Wentworth.
Application Number | 20190063662 16/042128 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65436920 |
Filed Date | 2019-02-28 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190063662 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Noggle; Craig Lawrence ; et
al. |
February 28, 2019 |
Latch Assembly For Use With An Inversion Drum
Abstract
A hinged cover overlays an opening that provides access to a
pressurized inversion drum. A releasable latch assembly holds the
cover in a closed and locked position. The latch assembly comprises
a plurality of first knuckles formed in the cover that are
interlaceable with a plurality of second knuckles formed in the
body adjacent the opening. The latch assembly further comprises a
rotatable latch pin that may be installed within the first and
second knuckles. The latch assembly is moved from an unlocked to a
locked position by rotation of the latch pin within the
knuckles.
Inventors: |
Noggle; Craig Lawrence;
(East Troy, WI) ; Crane; Robert F.; (Nekoosa,
WI) ; Randa; Mark D.; (Oconomowoc, WI) ;
Wentworth; Steven W.; (Scottsdale, AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Earth Tool Company LLC |
Lake Mills |
WI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
65436920 |
Appl. No.: |
16/042128 |
Filed: |
July 23, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62549299 |
Aug 23, 2017 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 292/0892 20150401;
F16L 55/18 20130101; E05C 9/08 20130101; Y10T 292/0866 20150401;
Y10T 292/11 20150401; E05C 19/002 20130101; E05C 3/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F16L 55/18 20060101
F16L055/18; E05C 3/04 20060101 E05C003/04; E05C 19/00 20060101
E05C019/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus, comprising: a body having an opening formed
therein; a cover sized to cover the opening; and a latch assembly,
comprising: a plurality of spaced and aligned first knuckles formed
in a selected one of the cover and body, each first knuckle having
an exposed semi-cylindrical groove formed therein; a plurality of
spaced and aligned second knuckles formed in the unselected one of
the cover and body adjacent the opening; and a rotatable latch pin
having aligned and alternating first and second sections, each
first section having a size and shape complementary to the
semi-cylindrical groove of a first knuckle.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 in which each second knuckle has a
cylindrical passage extending therethrough.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 in which each second section of the
latch pin has a size and shape complementary to the cylindrical
passage of a second knuckle.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the plurality of first and
second knuckles are interlaceable.
5. An apparatus, comprising: a pressurized inversion drum; and the
apparatus of claim 1, in which the body and opening are those of
the pressurized inversion drum.
6. An apparatus, comprising: a drum having an opening; and the
apparatus of claim 1 positioned over the opening.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 in which a series of semi-cylindrical
grooves are formed in the body between each second knuckle.
8. A system, comprising: the apparatus of claim 6; and a tubular
liner contained within the drum.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the latch pin is attached to a
handle.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising a lock mechanism
attached to the handle.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a seal positioned
on a bottom surface of the cover that is sized to surround the
opening.
12. The apparatus of claim 4 in which the latch assembly is in a
locked position when the first and second knuckles are interlaced
and each of the first sections of the latch pin are positioned
within the grooves formed in each of the first knuckles.
13. The apparatus of claim 7 in which the latch assembly is in an
unlocked position when each of the first sections of the latch pin
are positioned within the grooves formed in the body between each
second knuckle.
14. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the cover is rotatably
attached to the body via a hinge joint.
15. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the diameter of each first
section is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the latch pin.
16. The apparatus of claim 1 in which each of the first knuckles
extend from the bottom surface of the cover.
17. The apparatus of claim 1 in which each of the second knuckles
is integral with the body.
18. An apparatus, comprising: a body having an opening formed
therein; a cover sized to cover the opening; and a latch assembly,
comprising: a plurality of first knuckles formed in a selected one
of the cover and body; a plurality of second knuckles formed in the
unselected one of the cover and body adjacent the opening; in which
the plurality of first knuckles are configured to interlace with
the plurality of second knuckles; and a rotatable latch pin having
a plurality of half-moon cross-sections.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 in which a semi-cylindrical groove is
formed in each of the first knuckles.
20. The apparatus of claim 18 in which a semi-cylindrical groove is
formed in the body between each second knuckle.
Description
SUMMARY
[0001] The present invention is directed to an apparatus comprising
a body having an opening formed therein, a cover sized to cover the
opening, and a latch assembly. The latch assembly comprises a
plurality of spaced and aligned first knuckles formed in a selected
one of the cover and body, each first knuckle having an exposed
semi-cylindrical groove formed therein, and a plurality of spaced
and aligned second knuckles formed in the unselected one of the
cover and body adjacent the opening. The latch assembly further
comprises a rotatable latch pin having aligned and alternating
first and second sections. Each first section of the latch pin has
a size and shape complementary to the semi-cylindrical groove of a
first knuckle.
[0002] The present invention is also directed to an apparatus
comprising a body having an opening formed therein, a cover sized
to cover the opening, and a latch assembly. The latch assembly
comprises a plurality of knuckles formed in a selected one of the
cover and body and a plurality of knuckles formed in the unselected
one of the cover and body adjacent the opening. The plurality of
first knuckles are configured to interlace with the plurality of
second knuckles. The latch assembly further comprises a rotatable
latch pin having a plurality of half-moon cross-sections.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an inversion drum utilizing
a latch assembly of the present invention. The latch assembly is
shown in an unlocked position.
[0004] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a body and cover configured
for use with the latch assembly. The cover is shown in an open
position and the latch assembly is shown in an unlocked position. A
latch pin used with the latch assembly has been removed for
clarity.
[0005] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the body and cover shown in
FIG. 2.
[0006] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the latch
assembly formed in the body, taken along line A-A from FIG. 3.
[0007] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the latch pin used with the
latch assembly.
[0008] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the body and cover shown in
FIG. 3. The cover is shown in the open position and the latch
assembly is shown in an unlocked position. The latch pin is shown
installed within the body.
[0009] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the body and cover shown in
FIG. 6.
[0010] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the latch
assembly formed in the body, taken along line B-B from FIG. 7.
[0011] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the cover in a closed position.
The latch assembly is shown in an engaged position.
[0012] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the latch assembly in
the engaged position, taken along line C-C from FIG. 9.
[0013] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of area D shown in FIG. 10.
[0014] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the cover in the closed
position. The latch assembly is shown in a locked position.
[0015] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the latch assembly in
the locked position, taken along line E-E from FIG. 12.
[0016] FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of area F shown in FIG. 13.
[0017] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an inversion drum utilizing
an alternative embodiment of the latch assembly. The latch assembly
is shown in a locked position.
[0018] FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of area G shown in FIG. 15.
[0019] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the inversion drum shown in
FIG. 15. A portion of the drum has been cut-away for better
display. The latch assembly is shown in an unlocked position.
[0020] FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of area H shown in FIG. 17.
[0021] FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of area I shown in FIG. 18.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Cured in Place Piping (CIPP) operations are performed to
repair existing underground pipes. The operation involves the
installation of a resin saturated, tubular liner within the
existing pipe. The resin soaked liner cures against the interior of
the pipe and seals any cracks or damaged areas.
[0023] A pressurized inversion drum is used to install the liner
within the existing pipe. The interior of the liner is typically
made of felt while the outside of the liner is typically made of a
water resistant material. In operation, the felt interior of the
tubular liner is first filled with resin. The resin-filled liner is
flattened and installed within the drum by coiling it around a
spindle supported within the drum. Once the liner is installed in
the drum, the interior of the drum may be pressurized.
[0024] The pressure inside the drum operates to invert and expand
the liner into the existing pipe as it is discharged from the drum.
Because the liner is inverted as it expands the length of the
existing pipe, the resin soaked surface of the liner contacts the
interior walls of the pipe. Water may be pumped into the interior
of the inverted liner to help expand the liner throughout the pipe
as the resin cures adjacent to the pipe walls. In alternative
embodiments, steam or UV light may be used to cure the resin to the
pipe walls.
[0025] The resin used to saturate the liner is typically mixed with
a hardening agent. If the hardening agent sets before the liner is
installed within the pipe, the liner is no longer usable. Thus,
time is of the essence with performing CIPP operations.
[0026] Inversion drums known in the art have access ports that are
sealed using multiple threaded fasteners. Each fastener may have a
knob that requires a dozen or so revolutions before it becomes
unfastened. Such fasteners take time to engage or release. The
covers used with such access ports also typically need to be
completely detached from the drum prior to installing the liner
within the drum.
[0027] The present invention is directed to a latch assembly that
allows rapid access to the interior of an inversion drum to quickly
install a tubular liner within the drum. The latch assembly also
allows for rapid sealing of the drum in order to quickly pressurize
the interior of the drum.
[0028] With reference to FIG. 1, a pressurized inversion drum 10 is
shown. The inversion drum 10 comprises a cylindrical body 12 joined
to a discharge cone 14. The body 12 is supported on a frame 16 and
may be transported using a set of wheels 18 attached to the
frame.
[0029] A tubular liner (not shown) is installed in the drum 10
through an access port 20. Once inside the drum 10, the liner is
wound around a spindle 22 by a handwheel 24. The liner is
discharged from the drum 10 in an inverted form through the
discharge cone 14. An air regulator 26, ball valve 28, and pressure
gage 30 are supported on the top of the body 12. These items allow
an operator to pressurize the drum 10 for the inversion process.
The operator may view the inside of the drum 10 using a first sight
glass 32 installed in the drum body 12.
[0030] The access port 20 is supported on the top of the drum 10
and comprises a body 34 sealed by a cover 36. The cover 36 may be
opened and closed using a handle 38 attached to the cover. A second
sight glass 40 is installed in the cover 36 in order to allow the
operator to view the inside of the drum 10. A set of hose
connections 42, 44 are also installed in the cover 36. The hose
connections 42, 44 allow water to be circulated throughout the drum
10 to either retard or accelerate setup of the resin contained
within the liner.
[0031] Turning to FIG. 2, the body 34 of the access port 20
comprises a standoff 46 having a central opening 48 formed therein.
As shown in FIG. 1, the bottom edge of the standoff 46 is attached
to the body 12 of the drum 10 and surrounds an opening (not shown)
formed in the drum body 12. The tubular liner is installed within
the drum 10 by passing through the opening 48 formed in the
standoff 46 and the opening formed in the body 12 of the drum
10.
[0032] A flange 50 is supported on the top edge of the standoff 46
that surrounds the central opening 48. The flange 50 is bounded by
a first end 52, an opposite second end 54, and side edges 56.
Likewise, the cover 36 is bounded by a first end 58, an opposite
second end 60, and side edges 62. Both the cover 36 and flange 50
have knuckles 64, 66 formed on their second ends 54, 60 that are
configured to mate and receive a pin 68. Installation of the pin 68
within the knuckles 64, 66 rotatably secures the cover 36 to the
flange 50 in the form of a hinged joint 70.
[0033] In alternative embodiments, the standoff 46 may not be used.
Instead the flange 50 may be formed as part of the body 12 of the
drum 10. In such embodiment, the flange 50 would surround the
opening (not shown) formed in the drum body 12.
[0034] FIG. 2 shows the cover 36 in an open position. The cover 36
is shown in a closed position in FIG. 1. The cover 36 rotates
between an open and closed position via the hinged joint 70. When
closed, the cover 36 is sized to cover the opening 48 and mate with
the flange 50 such that the side edges 62 of the cover 36 are flush
with the side edges 56 of the flange 50.
[0035] The cover 36 is locked to the body 34 by a latch assembly
72, the entirety of which is shown in FIGS. 10 and 13. With
reference to FIGS. 2-4, a portion of the latch assembly 72
comprises a plurality of spaced and aligned first knuckles 74
formed in the first end 58 of the cover 36. Each of the first
knuckles 74 extends downwards from the bottom surface of the first
end 58 of the cover 36. A first exposed semi-cylindrical groove 76
is formed in the inner surface of each of the first knuckles 74.
Each of the grooves 76 opens towards the second end 60 of the cover
36. In one embodiment, the outer surface of each first knuckle 74
is rounded.
[0036] The latch assembly 72, further comprises a plurality of
spaced and aligned second knuckles 78 formed in the first end 52 of
the flange 50 adjacent the opening 48. Each of the second knuckles
78 is integral with the first end 52 of the flange 50. A short
cylindrical passage 80 extends through each second knuckle 78. In
one embodiment, the outer surface of each second knuckle 78 is
rounded.
[0037] A notch 82 is formed in the first end 52 of the flange 50
between each second knuckle 78. Each of the notches 82 are bounded
on each side by adjacent second knuckles 78. A second exposed
semi-cylindrical groove 84 is formed in the flange 50 within each
notch 82. Each of the grooves 84 extends the length of each notch
82 and joins each passage 80 formed in each second knuckle 78, as
shown in FIG. 4.
[0038] The plurality of first knuckles 74 are spaced so that they
are vertically alignable with each of the notches 82 in a
one-to-one relationship. Thus, when the cover 36 is rotated to a
closed position, each of the first knuckles 74 is positioned within
a corresponding one of the notches 82. The plurality of first and
second knuckles 74, 78 are interlaced with one another when the
cover 36 is in the closed position. In one embodiment, the outer
surfaces of each first and second knuckle 74, 78 are identical in
shape and construction so as to form a smooth edge when
interlaced.
[0039] When the knuckles 74, 78 are interlaced, each of the first
semi-cylindrical grooves 76 aligns with a corresponding one of the
second semi-cylindrical grooves 84 in a one-to-one relationship.
The aligned grooves 76, 84 join each of the short passages 80 so as
to form a single passage, as shown in FIG. 13. As shown in FIGS.
2-3, each of the knuckles 74, 78 may vary in length. In alternative
embodiments, each of the knuckles 74, 78 may be the same
length.
[0040] In alternative embodiments, the plurality of first knuckles
74 may be formed in the body 34 instead of the cover 36. In such
case, the plurality of second knuckles 78 are formed in the cover
36 instead of the body 34.
[0041] Turning to FIGS. 5-6, the latch assembly 72 further
comprises a rotatable latch pin 86. The latch pin 86 has aligned
and alternating first and second sections 88, 90 that are bounded
by a first and second end 92, 94. Each first section 88 has a
semicircular cross-sectional shape resembling a half moon. Each
first section 88 is complementary in size and shape to each of the
first and second grooves 76, 84. The first sections 88 are aligned
with the longitudinal axis of the latch pin 86.
[0042] Each of the second sections 90 of the latch pin 86 has a
size and shape complementary to the short cylindrical passages 80
formed in each of the second knuckles 78. The latch pin 86 is
installed within the flange 50 so that it extends through each
second knuckle 78, as shown in FIG. 6. The length of each second
section 90 may correspond with the length of each second knuckle
78.
[0043] A handle 96 is rigidly attached to each opposed end 92, 94
of the latch pin 86, as shown in FIG. 6. In one embodiment, each of
the handles 96 is a rod that extends the length of each side edge
56 of the flange 50. In alternative embodiments, only a single
handle 96 may be attached to the latch pin 86.
[0044] Turning to FIGS. 7-8, when the latch pin 86 is installed
within the flange 50, each first section 88 is positioned within
each second groove 84 and each second section 90 is positioned
within each short passage 80. When the latch pin 86 is in this
position, each of the notches 82 is clear to receive a
corresponding one of the first knuckles 74, as shown in FIG. 7.
[0045] The latch assembly 72 is in the unlocked position when the
notches 82 are clear of the latch pin 86. In this position, the
handles 96 are positioned adjacent the side edges 56 of the flange
50, as shown in FIG. 7. When the notches 82 are clear of the latch
pin 86, the cover 36 may rotate between its open and closed
positions, as shown in FIGS. 1-2.
[0046] Clockwise rotation of the handles 98 rotates the latch pin
86 clockwise within the flange 50, and causes the latch assembly 72
to move from an unlocked to a locked position. Once the cover 36 is
in a closed position, the first and second knuckles 74, 78 are
interlaced. With the cover 36 so positioned, the latch assembly 72
may be moved from the unlocked position to a locked position.
[0047] During an intermediate stage of the transition between
unlocked and locked positions, the latch assembly 72 reaches the
engaged position shown in FIGS. 9-11. Each of the first sections 88
has moved partially out of the second groove 84 and partially into
the first groove 76, as shown in FIGS. 10-11. In this position, the
latch pin 86 engages both the first and second knuckles 74, 78.
[0048] Further clockwise rotation of the handles 96 moves the latch
assembly 72 from the engaged position to the locked position shown
in FIGS. 12-14. Such rotation moves the first sections 88 entirely
or substantially entirely within the first grooves 76, as shown in
FIGS. 13-14. In the locked position of the cover 36, the first
knuckles are prevented from moving vertically within the notches
82. Thus, the cover 36 is locked to the flange 50.
[0049] The latch assembly 72 may be moved to an unlocked position
by counterclockwise rotation of the handles 96, which causes each
first section 88 to move out of a first groove 76 and into a second
groove 84. When the cover 36 is unlocked, the handles 96 are
positioned adjacent the sides edges 56 of the flange 50.
[0050] Once the first sections 88 are fully positioned in the first
grooves 76, the first knuckles 74 are free to move out of the
notches 82. Thus, the cover 36 is free to rotate about the hinge
joint 70 to the open position, shown in FIGS. 2 and 6.
[0051] Rotation of the handles 96 through an included angle of 180
degrees moves the latch assembly 72 between its locked and unlocked
positions. When the cover 36 is locked, as shown in FIG. 12, the
handles extend away from both the cover 36 and the flange 50. When
the cover 36 is unlocked, the handles are positioned adjacent the
side edges 56 of the flange 50.
[0052] When the interior of the drum 10 is under pressure, the
locked latch assembly 72 can resist substantial opening forces
applied to the cover 36. The resistance is attributable to the lack
of eccentricity between the first sections 88 and the rotational
axis of the latch pin 86. As a result, there is no tendency for the
force applied to the interior of the cover 36 to rotate the latch
pin 86 to the unlocked position.
[0053] For example, if pressure within the drum is 40 psi, the
latch assembly 72 may resist up to 5,000 pounds of force applied to
the cover 36. Yet the latch assembly 72 needs only a relatively
small amount of force to seal the cover 36 over the opening 48.
[0054] With reference to FIGS. 6, 10-11, and 13-14, a seal 98 is
positioned on the bottom surface of the cover 36. The seal 98 is
sized to surround the opening 48, as shown in FIG. 6. The seal 98
engages the flange 50 when the cover 36 is in the closed position.
In one embodiment, the seal 98 is an O-ring. Locking of the latch
assembly 72 compresses the seal 98 tightly against the flange 50,
so that pressure can be maintained in the drum 10.
[0055] In alternative embodiments, the diameter of each first
section 88 may be offset from the longitudinal axis of the latch
pin 86. Such design provides a tighter lock between the first and
second knuckles 74, 78 and in turn provides greater compression of
the seal 96. Greater compression may be required if a larger seal
is used in place of the O-ring shown herein.
[0056] With reference to FIGS. 15-19, an alternative embodiment of
the latch assembly 100 is shown for use with the inversion drum 10.
The latch assembly 100 uses the same cover 36, body 34, and latch
pin 86 used with latch assembly 72, shown in FIGS. 1-14. However,
the latch assembly 100 utilizes a different handle system 102.
[0057] Like handles 96, the handles 102 are rigidly attached to
opposite ends 92, 94 of the latch pin 86. Each of the handles 102
is substantially rectangular in shape and has a series of grips 104
formed on its bottom surface. Unlike the handles 96, the handles
102 extend less than half the length of the side edges 56 of the
flange 50.
[0058] With reference to FIGS. 17-19, the latch assembly 100
operates the latch pin 86 is the same manner as latch assembly 72.
However, the handles 102 are rotated clockwise to unlock the latch
assembly 100, rather than to lock it. The first sections 88 are
positioned within the second grooves 84 when the handles 102 are
extended away from the cover 36 and flange 50.
[0059] With reference to FIGS. 15-16, the latch assembly 100 is in
the locked position when the handles 102 are adjacent the flange
50. Positioning the handles 102 adjacent the flange 50 when the
latch assembly 100 is in the locked position allows each of the
handles 102 to be secured to the flange 50 by an independent lock
mechanism 105. Securing the handles 102 to the flange 50 provides a
back-up lock in case the latch assembly 100 fails.
[0060] In one embodiment, the lock mechanism 105 is a plunger 106
that may be disposed within a bore 108 formed in each of the
handles 102, as shown in FIG. 18. The plunger 106 is then secured
to an opening (not shown) formed in the side edge 52 of the flange
50. In alternative embodiments, the lock mechanism 105 may comprise
a threaded fastener or clamp. In alternative embodiments, only one
handle 102 may be used instead of two.
[0061] Changes may be made in the construction, operation and
arrangement of the various parts, elements, steps and procedures
described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention as described in the following claims.
* * * * *